SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, has called for urgent humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and southern Israel and repeated his call for an "immediate ceasefire".

Following a discussion with the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Dr Husam Zomlot this afternoon, Mr Eastwood said that the international response to the conflict must change and must be focussed on protecting civilian life in the region.

Colum Eastwood MP said: "The horrifying violence that has been inflicted on innocent civilians in Gaza and southern Israel is as close to Hell as many of us could ever imagine. There has been no rest for people who face a daily threat of air strikes, rocket attacks, abduction or the most unthinkable forms of murder.

"There can be no resolution to this conflict without an immediate ceasefire, a humanitarian intervention to protect those living in these horrendous conditions and a diplomatic effort to reach a two-state solution. The partisan approach of many in the international community has been an active impediment to a peaceful resolution and it must change.

"A new approach must be relentlessly focussed on peace, immediate security for civilians, the release of all hostages and humanitarian aid for communities that have been reduced to ash. World leaders must move from being partisan actors cheerleading destruction to active agents for peace."